HYDE PARK – The Hyde Park Drive-In Theater across from the FDR National Historic Site, operating since 1950 announced their closing in a social media post on Saturday. After 72 years in operation, the current operators have not been able to renew their lease with the National Park Service (NPS).
The competitive proposals were required to be submitted to the NPS by April 14, 2023. The proposal packet issued by the NPS indicated that the selection process and subsequent lease negotiations are expected to be completed by May 19, 2023.
The current operators of the Hyde Park Drive-In also operate the Overlook Drive-In in the Town of Poughkeepsie, which is remaining open. The Overlook is slated to begin operating for the 2023 season on May 12, 2023.
The Hyde Park Drive-In was opened by independent theater owners Sidney and Ida Cohen, to add to their portfolio. In 1955 they opened the Overlook Drive-In, and, according to the website, the two locations are still run by the Cohen family.
